'I hate the Ghosts': Michael

The Daily Examiner

Poll

Who will win, the Magpies or the Ghosts?

This poll ended on 03 July 2009.

Magpies

53%

Ghosts

46%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

LOWER Clarence Magpies forward Matt Michael has admitted to 'hating' the Grafton Ghosts ahead of Sunday's Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League blockbuster at Yamba Sports Complex.

A former junior, first grade player, captain and coach with the Ghosts, Michael has been wearing the black and white of the Magpies for the past season-and-a-half following an acrimonious split with his former club.

Michael, 31, said nothing would please him more than to crush his old club in front of the Magpies' faithful.

“I wish I never put the effort in with the Ghosts ... I see myself as a Magpie now,” he said.

“I suppose I played my grand final when we beat them easily in the second game of the season last year.

“I have a lot of hatred towards the Ghosts and I love playing against them.”

Michael said the first-placed Magpies had little to fear from the fourth-placed Ghosts, who had 'lost the aura' from last season, when they won the minor premiership and played in the grand final.

“I expect them to come out and have a go at us for the first 20 minutes and that's about it,” he said.

“No-one in their entire pack would intimidate any of our boys. They have only one real forward, in Nat Sewell, who is of any real notoriety. I think our forwards will be too good and our backs will be too quick.”

Michael also said it was the Magpies, and not the reigning grand finalists, who deserved the tag of the best rugby league team in the Clarence Valley.

“We were the best team last year and we are the best team this year,” he said.

“They only beat us in the first game last year because we were a little under-done.

“We've improved and they are below what they were this time last season.”

Regardless of the ill-feeling towards the Ghosts, Michael said it would be good to tussle against old friends and teammates on the battle field.

“I've got some mates and some of the kids I coached out there,” he said.

“Players like Khan Williams, Carson Galloway and Ben McLennan were coming up through the club when I was first grade captain there.”

Michael also joined Magpies president Garry Anderson in challenging the Magpies supporters to turn out in droves on Sunday to help the club win back the Terry Randall Trophy.

“If there was any time for our supporters to come and watch a game, this is the time,” Anderson said.